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photograph by the talented and beautiful Haley with Carnefix Photography

Hello, I'm Emily!

I am a Summit County, Colorado local for almost 7 years, a lover of the mountains, connection + Love and the new face of Summit Mountain Weddings. I'm excited about this new business venture and, really, I like to think of it more as an adventure!

I wouldn't say I'm new to the wedding industry by any means. I have owned (and still operate) a photography business, Keeping Composure Photography, since I moved to this amazing place I feel so lucky to call home every day now! Over time, I found I was drawn to the intimacy of small weddings - and elopements! I photographed for Summit Mountain Weddings for a few years and absolutely loved every couple I worked with and all of the beautiful memories we created in the mountains. The transition to Owner of SMW was natural. My days now consist of combining my passion for photography with my desire to meet different people and bring visions to reality.

My ideal wedding to plan + photograph

A very small elopement (read: 10 guests or less!) in the middle or at the end of autumn, when the clouds are lower on the mountain peaks and sometimes even touch the lake. A flexible couple who finds value in sharing their precious moments with the ones they hold closest to their hearts. A couple who is up for a little adventure, who doesn't mind a little drizzle or chillier weather (or dumping snow!!) and who appreciates laughing through it all!

My favorite location

Is it too cliché to say there are just too many to choose from?? Ok... I'll do my best. My favorite place in the fall season is a small trail off of a winding road north of Silverthorne, about 10 minutes into the mountains, that overlooks a stunning 180-degree vista of the Gore Range. I have yet to do an elopement up there, though, so let me know if you're game...!

My funniest/craziest elopement memory

December of 2016: we got a lot of snow. And I mean a lot of fresh, white, beautiful snow that kept on falling and falling! Katie + Joe came to Breckenridge for their elopement, and in true elopement style, exchanged vows with just the officiant, the photographer (me) and videographer present. We had received 18+ inches of fresh snow that evening prior, and the mountains were stunning. When we got to our second location for some more photos, we realized just what 18" of snow feels like... this up-for-anything couple made their way through knee-deep snow to the overlook. I photographed faster than ever before, and though we didn't spend a ton of time we came away with some unforgettable moments + memories!!

My most adventurous wedding memory

Jeeping in the High Country on dirt roads definitely tops the list! This couple's favorite pastime includes off-roading in their Jeep, and it was only fitting to include some of that in their wedding day, too. After their ceremony, I hopped in the back seat and stared in awe at the stunning landscapes we found back in the high alpine mountains. We interrupted a herd of mountain goats, found old mining sites and the (brave) couple even dipped their toes in a mountain stream by the time we finished with photos. By far, an adventure never to be forgotten.

My best advice to couples who are thinking about an elopement

Do it! Really. If you have a little voice inside of you whispering sweet nothings about eloping in the mountains, don't quiet it. Listen to it! Whether you don't like being the center of attention, you have always had a connection with the mountains or you are tired of planning your ever-growing, big Big Day, maybe an elopement is worth considering. Keep it easy and celebrate your love + adventure next to your favorite person. Bring along mom and dad (or your closest friends) for support, and simply enjoy your moments + memories of joining together in marriage.

Find more about me on IG {@Em_Schmutz} + {@CoMtnPhotog} and be sure to follow along for more adventures in the mountains!

Summit Mountain Weddings

Summit Mountain Weddings is based in Summit County, Colorado and is your premier resource for your elopement packages that start with the essentials.

Hello! I'm Emily, owner of Summit Mountain Weddings, curator of intimate mountain weddings and destination elopements + lover of well, Love. This blog showcases all of the beautiful moments + memories that we experience in the high country; winter, summer, spring + fall, the possibilities are seemingly endless. Cheers to the next amazing adventure! {Learn more about me here.}